Nurturing an Attitude of Gratitude . . .

. . .by making the most with what we already have --- no matter how little that may seem. And, some thoughts on being happy no matter what your current situation.

• The key to real wealth is being satisfied with what you already have.

• In most cases, for most people, most of our things are just "stuff" and we could do without most of it. 

• Things that used to be considered luxuries are now considered not only necessities but -----absolute necessities.

• No matter how little you have, if you are reading this on a computer or a cell phone or any other piece of electronic gadgetry, you are among the wealthiest in the world. If you can read, you are among the wealthiest. 

"To be alive, to be able to see, to walk...it's all a miracle. I have adopted the technique of living life from miracle to miracle." Arthur Rubinstein

Then I met a Man
I once had no food to eat
Then I met a man who had no teeth
I once had no shoes to wear
Then I met a man who had no feet

When you’re down on your luck
and you just spent your last buck
There’s always someone else
who has it even worse

I once had a mirror on the wall
Then I met a man
who was lucky after all. --- Selected verses from a folk song by Earl Vickers 1995

While there are "things" we cannot change, we can choose our attitude in every situation. 

The following is a challenge, written by John Hilton III and Anthony Sweet, and taken from the Youth section of our Church magazine, the Ensign.

Take A Gratitude Challenge
Let's not just talk about counting our blessings --- let's do it!
Make a list of 100 things you are thankful for. If that sounds like it is too many, try this.

1. Write 10 physical abilities you are grateful for.
2. Write 10 material possessions you are grateful for.
3. Write 10 living people you are grateful for.
4. Write 10 deceased people you are grateful for.
5. Write 10 things about nature you are grateful for.
6. Write 10 things about today you are grateful for.
7. Write 10 places on earth you are grateful for.
8. Write 10 modern inventions you are grateful for.
9. Write 10 foods you are grateful for.
10. Write 10 things about Jesus Christ that you are grateful for.

During this most wonderful time of the year, and always, please realize and remember 

                      The best things in life are not things

I am Simply, Gail